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Lighting ~ An Important Element In Home Decor

Just recently my daughter, Sammi and I began a large project with new clients. The space is a beautiful high-rise condo overlooking Uptown Charlotte. Each room has an expanse of windows that are the length of the room. The view from these windows is spectacular to say the least. In fact, if you’re a football fan, you can see the Carolina Panthers’ Stadium as well as the gorgeous cityscape.

Because I’m all about natural light filtering into interior spaces, I love these windows for more than just the incredible view. With all the light that can come in on a daily basis, I know the psychological benefits my clients will derive from this. But aside from the natural light that comes into the condo, Sammi and I have a blank canvas to work with for other lighting choices. In fact, the entire space is a blank canvas for us, as we’ll be completely furnishing the new digs for our clients. Talk about fun!

A few days ago we sat down with the couple and discussed lighting options. I found myself explaining to them my philosophy about lighting and why lighting was a crucial element in home décor. While talking to them I told them a story about a client we had several years ago – a pro football player. We furnished his new home from top to bottom and of course we also paid much attention to the lighting detail in his home. After our work was complete, he had a house-warming party. Much to my amusement, when he hosted this first big party in his home he called me early the morning of and asked me to come over an hour before the party (we were attending the party) to turn on all the lights for the party. Clearly, he was still learning about all the lighting options we had created for him but at the same time, he understood the important WOW! Factor the lighting would make for his guests and so he wanted to make sure the mood was set when his guests began to arrive. I watched our two clients listen to this story and chuckle over it and yet; it was clear they, too were beginning to understand the importance of proper lighting in their own new home.

After leaving this meeting with our new clients I realized a simple lesson on lighting would be a great Blog post. So I hope you garner new insight on the impact lighting has in your own personal space. You see lighting plays a key role in creating beauty in your space. As an “armchair psychologist of the home” I believe that Living Beautifully = Living Well. Lighting, like every other choice you make in your home décor ultimately has psychological affects on you and anyone that spends time in your home. So, for the best feel good vibes you can get from your lighting, illuminate in layers.

Three “must have” layers of Lighting in your home

There are three layers of lighting you should use in your home lighting décor. When combined together they create a mood for your space. They are:

Task Lighting

Ambient Lighting

Interest Lighting

Task Lighting – This type of lighting is what I call “general lighting” as it is the lighting that is used to identify spaces and allow for the rooms to be lit for safety, etc. This type of lighting is usually the overhead lighting in each room be it a chandelier in the center of the room, can lights spaced evenly on the ceiling of the room or a ceiling fan with an attached light.

Ambient Lighting – This type of lighting is what I call the “personalized lighting” as it is the lighting that is specifically chosen by the homeowners to be a part of the décor. This lighting can make or break the feel good vibes of your space and should be carefully planned out. Table lamps, floor lamps and wall sconces are all forms of ambient lighting.

Interest Lighting – This type of lighting is what I call “surprise lighting” as it’s the lighting that goes the extra mile to create atmosphere thereby adding to the warm fuzzies you get from being in the space. Picture lights, accent floor lights and yes, undermount cabinet lighting are all forms of interest lighting. (You may think undermount cabinet lighting is task lighting but it is so much more than that. It allows for added impact.)

All three of these forms of lighting should be part of your design plan for your home décor. Each of these layers creates a focal point of some kind in your space, regardless of its location in the room. Remember this and be cognizant of the impact each of these layers of lighting has on your space, particularly with how they combine for an overall affect. Also, be aware of what I call “the brightness factor” of lighting and understand that increasing OR decreasing the brightness of each form of lighting changes the space. For that reason in every home I work in, I make sure every single light can have flexible brightness. I drive my electricians crazy at times when doing ceiling and wall lighting because I require dimmer switches on E.V.E.R.Y.T.H.I.N.G. I even put dimmers on undermount cabinet lighting in kitchens and bar areas. (Believe you me, when entertaining in your home or wanting to have simple low lighting on in the evening, undermount cabinet lighting in the kitchen sets the mood for relaxation!)

Minute Details of Lighting – Do’s and Don’ts

Pay attention to the minute details of your lighting. Here are some simple do’s and don’ts:

Do use three way bulbs for your table lamps and dimmers for all other lighting.

Do dust regularly ALL your lampshades and ceiling fans. (Obvious dust on ceiling fans is the worst of the worst.)

Do hide all the electrical cords of your lighting as best and as safely as you can. (Visible cords take away from the beauty of your lighting.)

Don’t use lampshades that are the wrong size or style for your lamps.

Don’t leave the plastic protective wrappers on your lampshades.

I’m looking forward to all the ways the lighting for this new project will “brighten” the space and create real beauty within. I also look forward to the “ah-ha” moment our clients will have when they see the impact that these three layers of lighting creates! Most importantly, I look forward to how the lighting will make them feel, as I know their lighting is an important part of the décor that Sammi and I are intentionally adding to their space for living beautifully in order to live well. And for you, my hope is that the lighting in your space brings beauty and wellness to you and yours as well!

About Jamie Balzer

Jamie has worked in the field of interior decorating for over 10 years and has owned B&A Interiors, LLC for almost as long. Partnered with her daughter, Sammi Blake, Jamie has been honored to work in homes and businesses across the country. Knowledge and experience is but part of what she has to offer. As a young girl, Jamie intuitively understood that the placement of things, the color of things, and the arrangement of things evoke certain feelings. Working together with this knowledge, experience and intuition Jamie has answered the call to her life’s purpose- teaching the spiritual truth of what she believes- “Everything begins in the home”.
As a branch of B&A Interiors, LLC, Living In Perfect Harmony emerged to teach her philosophy.
Jamie believes, “if you live peacefully and beautifully at home, you are well, your family is well and that helps to make the world a better place”. Jamie's most passionate role is as a mother and grandmother.
Jamie currently lives and works in the Chicago area but also continues her business in Charlotte, NC as both a decorator and a homespace coach. She is certified in Reiki Therapy which she believes broadens her success as a homespace coach.
Jamie is available for private consultations, lectures and seminars.